The list of places I have visited is already quite long, but I always feel like there are still so many things to see. Taiwan is small but definitely not lacking in attractions. This time, we went to Kenting for a short trip. I was here two years ago, but it was only a brief stop at the beach. This time, I wanted to see more. I thought the weather here would still be hot, but I didn't know that Kenting is so windy. The water was a little cool and very wavy, so I wasn't interested in swimming at all. Also, when we went to the east side to see the cliffs, the wind was so strong that it was sometimes difficult to stand. Following Google Maps isn't always a good idea either. Once, we followed a very small and sandy road, and the slope was quite steep at times, but 100 meters before reaching another road, it was blocked...

Kenting National Park (墾丁國家公園)

Kenting National Park was established on January 1, 1984, and it was the first national park established in Taiwan in the post-war period. The Hengchun Peninsula, located at the southernmost tip of Pingtung County and Taiwan's main island, has a land area of 18,084 hectares and a sea area of 15,206 hectares, totaling nearly 33,290 hectares. The park is approximately 24 kilometers long from north to south and 24 kilometers wide from east to west. Kenting National Park is located in a tropical climate zone. The temperature is warm and humid throughout the year, and tropical plants thrive. The surrounding waters are clear, and corals grow vigorously. Kenting is rich in flora and fauna, with 5,164 species of animals and 1,921 species of plants recorded as of 2014.

In the Hengchun Peninsula, whales and dolphins such as the big-winged whale, sperm whale, jis dolphin, and black-necked dolphin have been spotted. Cetaceans can be seen near the seaport on the west coast of Hengchun from December to March, and in winter, a group of dolphins can be seen along the coast of the Hengchun Peninsula. Kenting is also an important area for migratory birds, with species such as the Shrike and gray scorpion seeking refuge from the cold during autumn and winter.

The downhill wind is a unique weather phenomenon in the Hengchun Peninsula during winter. From October to March, the northeast monsoon blows south along the central mountain range. When it reaches the Hengchun Peninsula, the wind suddenly intensifies due to the Shimen Valley, Dawu Valley, and Manchu Township valley, causing the wind to rush down the steep peninsula, creating strong winds and sometimes sand and dust cover the sky.

See also: Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

Kenting National Park 墾丁國家公園, pingtung, taiwan

White Sand Bay

White Sand Bay (白沙灣海灘)

White Sand Bay is located on the west bank of the Hengchun Peninsula and on the northwest coast of Maobitou Park. The Baisha Bay area is a coral reef coast that was originally a small fishing port. The beach in this area is up to 100 meters long and consists of pure white shell sand.

Fengchuisha (風吹砂)

Fengchuisha is a windy terrain. From September to April of the following year, the sand is blown by the northeast monsoon in winter and carried to the southwest by the wind. The sand carried by rivers and tides along the coast is transported to the northeastern beaches. Due to wind erosion and aeolian accumulation, the sand in the valley is continuously transported back and forth by wind and water, forming a unique landscape of "dunes" and "sand waterfalls." However, the construction of a road and the planting of a large number of Casuarina windbreakers by the local government have disrupted the natural sound of wind and sand in Kenting.

Longpan Park (龍磐公園)

Longpan Park is located between Elunbai Cape and Fengchuisha. This area is characterized by rising limestone formations, which result in limestone caves, seepage points, cliffs, and red clay. The park features prairies that transition from steep cliffs to winding coasts. The area has less light pollution, making it suitable for watching the sunrise and the starry sky at night.

See also: Hengchun Town

Longpan Park

Guanshan (關山)

Guanshan is located in the southwest of Hengchun at an altitude of 152 meters. Due to its higher terrain compared to the rest of the peninsula, it offers excellent views. It is one of Kenting's famous attractions, especially for observing the sunset. From the north, you can see the slopes of Dapingding and the scenic fishing village along the way. Looking east, you can overlook Longtan Lake and the scenery between Nanwan and Elunbai Cape. The Guanshan area is composed of uplifted coral reefs. According to carbon isotope dating, these coral reef formations rose at a rate of approximately 5 mm per year, which means that Guanshan was still underwater 30,000 years ago. On the top of Guanshan Mountain, there is a temple built on a coral reef, which is rare in other parts of Taiwan.

Chuanfan Rock (船帆石小沙灘)

Chuanfan Rock, also known as "Sailboat Stone," resembles the avatar of former US President Nixon from a certain angle, and thus, it is commonly known as Nixon Head. The rock has a height of 26.4 meters and reaches about 18 meters at high tide. The old coral reef rolled down to the beach, and it has recently become a popular spot for bird watching and snorkeling. There are many diving-related shops and homestays in the vicinity.

Guanshan

Chunfan Rock

Houbihu Port (後壁湖)

Houbihu Port is the largest fishing port on the Hengchun Peninsula. The terminal offers glass-bottom boats, yachts, and other facilities, attracting many tourists. There is also a small beach abundant with dead corals and shells known as Xingsha Bay.

Shadao (砂島)

Shadao is a small sandy bay. Due to reduced wave energy in the bay, shells and corals in the nearby waters have been eroded by seawater over time. The shells and corals were excavated and used for necklaces, wall decorations, and more, leading to sand mining. However, it has now been designated as an ecological protection area, and mining is prohibited to preserve its natural beauty. The department has set up a shell sand exhibition hall equipped with microscopic viewing facilities to provide high-quality tourism services.

Southernmost point (台灣最南點)

The Southernmost Point is located between the famous Eluanpi and the Longkeng ecological reserve area. It is a 10-minute walk on a stone pavement trail from the parking lot to the monument marking Taiwan's southernmost point on the reef.

Kenting Main Street (墾丁大街)

Kenting Main Street is a shopping street with a night market. It is filled with restaurants, hotels, street food vendors, and water activities along the beach. However, the presence of Kenting Street is not conducive to the ecological conservation of the national park, as it causes light pollution, pollution, and impacts the water temperature.